Citations & Sources Policy
Our standards for sourcing information and making evidence-based health claims.
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Sourcing Standards
At Lice Institute of America, we base our content on the best available scientific evidence. We prioritize reliable, peer-reviewed sources and clearly distinguish between well-established facts and emerging research.
All health claims and treatment recommendations are supported by credible sources. When scientific consensus is lacking, we present multiple perspectives and clearly indicate areas of uncertainty.
Preferred Sources
We prioritize the following types of sources for health information:
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published studies in reputable scientific and medical journals, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses that synthesize multiple studies.
Government Health Agencies
Guidelines and information from agencies such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and WHO (World Health Organization).
Professional Medical Organizations
Clinical guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, professional dermatology associations, and parasitology societies.
Academic Medical Centers
Educational resources from university hospitals and medical schools with expertise in relevant areas.
Clinical Experience
Insights from certified professionals with extensive field experience, particularly for practical aspects of treatment not covered in research literature.
Sources We Avoid
We do not base health claims on:
Anecdotal evidence or testimonials as primary support for treatment effectiveness
Marketing materials or promotional content from product manufacturers
Non-peer-reviewed sources for medical claims
Outdated research that has been superseded by more recent evidence
Sources with significant conflicts of interest that are not transparently disclosed
How We Use Sources
Direct Citations
When we reference specific research findings, statistics, or guidelines, we provide citations to the original sources whenever possible.
Source Quality Assessment
We evaluate sources for reliability, relevance, and recency. We consider the study design, sample size, potential biases, and whether findings have been replicated.
Multiple Sources
Important claims are supported by multiple sources when available. We avoid relying on single studies, especially for significant recommendations.
Source Updates
We regularly review our sources to ensure they remain current. When newer evidence becomes available, we update our content and citations accordingly.
Levels of Evidence
We recognize that different types of evidence have different strengths:
Strongest Evidence
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials; Clinical practice guidelines from major medical organizations
Strong Evidence
Individual randomized controlled trials; Well-designed observational studies
Moderate Evidence
Case-control studies; Cross-sectional studies; Expert consensus statements
Limited Evidence
Case reports; Expert opinion based on clinical experience
We clearly indicate the level of evidence supporting our recommendations and are transparent when evidence is limited or conflicting.
Key Research Sources
We regularly consult these sources for head lice information:
- • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Head Lice Guidelines
- • American Academy of Pediatrics - Clinical Reports on Pediculosis
- • Journal of Parasitology and related peer-reviewed publications
- • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - Head Lice Treatment Reviews
- • International Journal of Dermatology
- • PubMed/MEDLINE database for published research
Transparency
We are committed to transparency in our sourcing:
- • We disclose when evidence is limited or when expert opinion is the primary basis for recommendations
- • We acknowledge areas of scientific uncertainty or controversy
- • We clearly distinguish between established facts and emerging research
- • We provide access to source materials when possible
Contact Us
If you have questions about our sources or wish to suggest additional research for our consideration:
Email: sources@liceinstitute.com